SALISBURY, Md. (7News) — An escaped emu that wandered onto roadways near the Salisbury, Md. Bypass was safely captured and returned to its owners Saturday after several hours on the loose, Maryland State Police said.
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Troopers from the Maryland State Police Salisbury Barrack were called to the Salisbury Bypass near the Ocean City exit around 10:50 a.m. after receiving reports of an emu in the roadway.
Authorities said troopers quickly made contact with the bird’s owners and worked throughout the day to track the big bird.
The emu was struck by a vehicle around 1:30 p.m., but officials said it was not injured.
Troopers eventually captured the bird at about 2 p.m. in the area of Pheasant Drive using a dog leash. The emu was returned to its owners about an hour later.
No injuries to motorists were reported, and authorities did not say how the emu escaped.
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The incident drew attention from drivers, residents and social media users as troopers worked to safely recover the large, flightless bird and remove it from the roadway.
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